Did you know that one in five American adults struggle with their mental health? Fortunately, research shows that many of these mental health conditions can be effectively treated with psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy. During each 50-minute session, psychotherapy helps individuals overcome past pain or trauma and develop coping strategies and communication skills. It also gives them a safe space to discuss their goals and explore their moods and behaviors. Ultimately, therapy encourages better self-esteem, new perspectives, and an improved outlook on life.
In the past, there have been many stigmas or fears that discouraged individuals from seeking help through psychotherapy. More and more people, though, are beginning to understand — and even experience — the true benefits of therapy.
For today’s blog post, let’s take a closer look at the benefits of psychotherapy, organized by three mental health conditions.
Anxiety
Anxiety affects nearly 18 percent of the population, making it the most common mental health condition in the United States. It commonly co-occurs with other mental health conditions, including depression and eating disorders. Anxiety is more than circumstantial or occasional stress. For impacted individuals, the panicked state occurs constantly, even when there is no reason to fear or worry. These people may always expect something bad to happen and struggle to control their emotions. They often become avoidant and overly self-conscious.
For these patients, psychotherapy gives them a map to better navigate their fears. Instead of being powerless in the face of their anxiety, they learn to understand and accept their emotions. Through this mental health work, they may experience better sleep, more comfort in social situations, improved relationships, and more.
Depression
Depression is more than long-term sadness. It refers to chronic sorrow that negatively impacts an individual’s quality of life. It often leads to trouble getting out of bed, changes in appetite, lack of motivation, feelings of guilt, and loss of interest in hobbies. Individuals may pull away from their everyday responsibilities, like school or work, as well as their social lives. Common types of depression include:
- Major depressive disorder
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- Dysthymia, or persistent depressive disorder
Psychotherapy is a common component of an individual’s treatment plan when struggling with depression. It relies on a shared trust between the medical provider and patient, as they ultimately work together to identify possible causes and solutions to the condition. By providing a comfortable and private place for the depressed patient to heal, therapists help build new ways of reacting and thinking.
Obsessions and Compulsions
Obsessions, or constant, unwelcome thoughts, tend to focus on a particular idea or goal, while compulsions are repeated, unreasonable behaviors that individuals believe they must do. People tend to carry out compulsions in an effort to reduce the stress caused by their obsessions. Common obsessive and compulsive conditions include:
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Body dysmorphia, or a high fixation on perceived flaws in physical appearance
- Hoarding
- Trichotillominia, or a compulsion to pull one’s own hair
- Kleptomania
Through psychotherapy, patients examine their behaviors and identify the reasons behind them. They may uncover a negative thought pattern or past trauma that’s driving the obsessions and/or compulsions. With professional help, they can break this cycle and make more productive choices.
Fortunately, anyone can experience the benefits of psychotherapy!
You don’t need a mental health diagnosis or life-changing crisis to get this type of support. If you want to establish healthier relationships, set new personal goals, or simply improve your self-esteem, psychotherapy can help.
At the Center for Rising Minds, we’d love to help you and your family with your mental health care needs! Please reach out to us today to inquire about our services or join our waitlist.
